Welch Promoted to Director of Adult Education
NEWPORT, Ark. — Arkansas State University-Newport has announced the promotion of Grover Welch to Director of Adult Education, effective August 1, 2026.
Welch joined ASUN as a part-time Adult Education instructor in October 2024. He transitioned to a full-time instructor position on July 1, 2025, and was named Assistant Director of Adult Education in February 2026.
Grover Welch, ASU-Newport Director of Adult Education
His promotion follows a year of significant growth and record-setting achievement for ASUN’s Adult Education program. Over the past year, the program experienced 22% enrollment growth and awarded 60 GED credentials, compared with 40 the previous year—a 50% increase. Adult Education also achieved a 78% student retention rate, the highest in the program’s history.
“Mr. Welch has demonstrated a genuine commitment to adult learners and a clear understanding of how education can transform lives, families and communities,” said Dr. Typhanie Myers, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. “The growth and record outcomes achieved by our Adult Education program reflect the dedication of Grover and the entire Adult Education team. We are confident that his leadership will help the program build upon this momentum and create even more opportunities for the individuals we serve.”
As director, Welch will oversee ASUN’s Adult Education programs, personnel and community outreach efforts. He will work alongside faculty, staff and community partners to connect adult learners with the instruction and resources they need to earn a high school equivalency credential, continue their education and prepare for the workforce.
Welch holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Reading from Arkansas State University.
ASUN’s Adult Education program provides free instruction and support to eligible individuals seeking to earn a GED, strengthen foundational academic skills, prepare for college or improve their workforce readiness.
For more information about Adult Education at ASU-Newport, visit www.asun.edu/adulted.
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